For Utah, New Years Eve will be a chance to rest from the last true practice before the Sugar Bowl.

Outland Trophy winner and projected top five pick Andre Smith was suspended for the Jan. 2 Sugar Bowl by Crimson Tide head coach Nick Saban after Saban said Smith had violated unspecified team rules.

Utah's athletic director, Chris Hill, announced on Monday that Whittingham and Utah have agreed to a new contract that will pay the 15-year coach $6 million over the next five years.

Utah's offensive coordinator Andy Ludwig has been named as Kansas State's newest offensive coordinator, according to a release issued by Kansas State on Wednesday.

The All-Mountain West Conference first-teamer has made immense strides, playing as both a running back and a wide receiver since arriving at the U in 2005 when he spent his freshman season as a redshirt.

The No. 6 Utes are ready to march into the Big Easy against the No. 4 Alabama Crimson Tide, a 12-1 team that owned the top spot in college football for five impressive weeks during the season.

By James Boehly, Staff WriterAlabama Crimson Tide (12-1, 8-1 SEC)Alabama 34, Clemson 10 * Aug. 30 (Atlanta, Ga.)Alabama's offense kept the ball for a little more than 41 minutes, held Clemson to zero rushing...

It is going to be a tough challenge for Utah to pound away at 'Bama's immense defense. However, offensive coordinator Andy Ludwig is just as concerned with the overall speed of the defense as he is with the size of it.

Ute fans have every reason to loathe Alabama head coach Nick Saban after his statement that Alabama was the only team to go 12-0 in a real Bowl Championship Series conference after his team lost out on its chance to go to the BCS Championship game.

A crucial aspect of Utah's preparation for bowl games and regular season games alike is film study, something Utah defensive end Paul Kruger said the team spends a lot of time on.